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Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, was found to have various substances in his body, including a drug commonly referred to as "pink cocaine," at the time of his tragic death on October 16 at age 31. Sources revealed to ABC News that a partial autopsy indicated he had multiple drugs in his system when he fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Among the substances identified was "pink cocaine," a recreational drug typically composed of methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA, though it may not always contain actual cocaine, as noted by the National Capital Poison Center. ABC News also reported that an improvised aluminum pipe, likely used for drug consumption, was discovered in Payne's room. His body remains in Argentina as authorities continue their investigation and complete the autopsy.
Shortly before Payne's death, a 911 call was placed by the hotel's chief receptionist, who was concerned about his erratic behavior, according to local outlets La Nacion and Clarin, as well as Sky News. In the call, made at 5:01 p.m. local time, just minutes before Payne's fatal fall, the employee noted that the singer appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol and urged emergency responders to come quickly.
The emergency services (SAME) were dispatched to the scene, though Payne's name was not mentioned during the call. According to Sky News, the hotel staff feared for his safety, citing his behavior and the fact that he was in a room with a balcony. The receptionist, identified as "Esteban," expressed concern that Payne might harm himself, as he had been "trashing the entire room" prior to the fall.
The preliminary autopsy report confirmed that Payne died from multiple injuries and extensive internal and external hemorrhaging. The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office revealed that 25 injuries were found, consistent with a fall from a great height. The head injuries were noted to be severe enough to have caused death, with additional hemorrhaging contributing to the fatal outcome.
